Patents by Inventor David Henry Clark

David Henry Clark has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 10649446
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided herein for operating a conveyance system (e.g., a conveyor belt, tilt plane, robotic arm) of a mobile drive unit (MDU) independent of the MDU's navigation system. The MDU may be configured to obtain, convey, and deliver items within the workspace. Navigation information related to navigating the MDU within a workspace may be obtained. Operations of a navigational system of the MDU may be performed to move the MDU to various locations within the workspace in accordance with the navigation information. Conveyance information related to physically obtaining and/or delivering an item within the workspace may be obtained by the MDU (e.g., via conveyance-related fiducial markers and/or sensors of the MDU). At least one operation of a conveyance system of the MDU may be executed which may cause the item to be physically relocated based at least in part on the conveyance information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Brandon William Porter, Jon Stuart Battles, William George Bowes, David Henry Clark, Scott Dresser
  • Patent number: 10507982
    Abstract: Described are systems, methods, and apparatus for managing the movement of inventory items within a materials handling facility using rollable containers and a gravity feed conveyance system. Inventory items are placed in the rollable containers and are routed to different locations within the materials handling facility along the gravity feed conveyance system, through use of gravitational forces that cause the rollable containers to roll. By using gravity to route inventory items within the materials handling facility, the energy and power requirements for the materials handling facility are reduced, which reduces overhead costs and which is better for the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Peter Aalund, Jon Stuart Battles, David Henry Clark, Ned Lecky, Jayson Michael Jochim
  • Publication number: 20190332096
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided herein for operating a conveyance system (e.g., a conveyor belt, tilt plane, robotic arm) of a mobile drive unit (MDU) independent of the MDU's navigation system. The MDU may be configured to obtain, convey, and deliver items within the workspace. Navigation information related to navigating the MDU within a workspace may be obtained. Operations of a navigational system of the MDU may be performed to move the MDU to various locations within the workspace in accordance with the navigation information. Conveyance information related to physically obtaining and/or delivering an item within the workspace may be obtained by the MDU (e.g., via conveyance-related fiducial markers and/or sensors of the MDU). At least one operation of a conveyance system of the MDU may be executed which may cause the item to be physically relocated based at least in part on the conveyance information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2018
    Publication date: October 31, 2019
    Inventors: Brandon William Porter, Jon Stuart Battles, William George Bowes, David Henry Clark, Scott Dresser
  • Patent number: 10405621
    Abstract: A container is described, which may be used as part of item sortation within a facility, as well as item deliveries to end locations. In an example, the container may be configured to transition between a collapsed state and an expanded state. The container may include a loading panel and an unloading panel. The loading panel may include a fastener such that an opening can be selectively created and closed in the expanded state. Accordingly, packaged items may be inserted and securely retained in the container through the loading panel. The unloading panel may also include a fastener such that an opening can be selectively created and closed in the expanded state. Accordingly, the packaged items may be unloaded from the container through this opening. The container may also be dimensioned to facilitate stowage of the container in the collapsed state and loading/unloading of packaged items in the expanded state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Luis Armando Lopez Avila, Stephen Michael Sanchez, Edward McGavin, Ayush Goel, Hany Abdul-Hafez Elkordy, David Henry Clark, Hari Kumar Rajendran
  • Patent number: 10118723
    Abstract: Described herein are systems and techniques for determining a pack station for storing inventory in a materials handling facility, routing item packages to pack stations based on size ranges for custom containers and optimizing dimensions of custom containers based on dimensions of a shipping container. For example, the systems described herein may allocate a percentage of inventory to a custom inventory location that is physically near custom container forming devices, thereby reducing the cost to pick, sort, pack and route items for shipment, storing or otherwise handling in a custom container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David Henry Clark, Dean Christopher Fullerton, Patricia T. Shigihara, Kevin R. Vliet, Jon S. Battles, Brian C. Smith, Sebastian Lehmann, Jaffin James, Lakshmi S. Nidamarthi
  • Publication number: 20180247266
    Abstract: Techniques for managing different types of transport vehicles are provided. In some embodiments, a transient warehouse can be established that allows a wide variety of transport vehicles to access items from a more convenient location than a brick-and-mortar location. The transient warehouse can be established in a parking lot or on the side of the road, so that other transport vehicles can access the transient warehouse quickly and deliver items to item requesters more efficiently from a centralized location. The transport vehicles can also pick up items from item providers to replenish items for the transient warehouse, the transient warehouse can access items from a brick-and-mortar location, and/or the transport vehicles can travel to multiple item requesters through optimized transport routes. The meeting location of the transient warehouse may also be optimized based on various constraints (e.g., time of day, seasonality concerns, etc.).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2018
    Publication date: August 30, 2018
    Inventors: Brian Allen Knapp, David Henry Clark, Ricky Neal Batye
  • Patent number: 9900061
    Abstract: Features are disclosed for a wearable scanning device that can passively initiate scanning for wireless identifiers such as RFID tags. The wearable scanning device may include a force sensor, an accelerometer, or a motion activated switch that can initiate the scanning when detecting an action performed by an associate (e.g., lifting) without an express intent from the associate to scan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Tak Keung Joseph Lui, David Henry Clark, Jeremy Dashe, Oleg Kantor, Maju Cheruvallil Kuruvilla, Alton Paul Werronen, Nelson Ramon
  • Publication number: 20170280841
    Abstract: A container is described, which may be used as part of item sortation within a facility, as well as item deliveries to end locations. In an example, the container may be configured to transition between a collapsed state and an expanded state. The container may include a loading panel and an unloading panel. The loading panel may include a fastener such that an opening can be selectively created and closed in the expanded state. Accordingly, packaged items may be inserted and securely retained in the container through the loading panel. The unloading panel may also include a fastener such that an opening can be selectively created and closed in the expanded state. Accordingly, the packaged items may be unloaded from the container through this opening. The container may also be dimensioned to facilitate stowage of the container in the collapsed state and loading/unloading of packaged items in the expanded state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2016
    Publication date: October 5, 2017
    Inventors: Luis Armando Lopez Avila, Stephen Michael Sanchez, Edward McGavin, Ayush Goel, Hany Abdul-Hafez Elkordy, David Henry Clark, Hari Kumar Rajendran
  • Publication number: 20170174436
    Abstract: Described are systems, methods, and apparatus for managing the movement of inventory items within a materials handling facility using rollable containers and a gravity feed conveyance system. Inventory items are placed in the rollable containers and are routed to different locations within the materials handling facility along the gravity feed conveyance system, through use of gravitational forces that cause the rollable containers to roll. By using gravity to route inventory items within the materials handling facility, the energy and power requirements for the materials handling facility are reduced, which reduces overhead costs and which is better for the environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Publication date: June 22, 2017
    Inventors: Martin Peter Aalund, Jon Stuart Battles, David Henry Clark, Ned Lecky, Jayson Michael Jochim
  • Patent number: 9600798
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for an automated materials handling facility. The automated materials handling facility uses a series of automated devices, such as automated guidance vehicles, mobile drive units, robotic arms, automated sorters, etc., to facilitate item receive, stow, pick, shipping and other aspects of materials handling. The automated devices are controlled by a materials handling control system that sends instructions to the various devices to coordinate operation of those devices and to coordinate flow of items through the materials handling system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon Stuart Battles, Jayson Michael Jochim, Martin Peter Aalund, Ned Lecky, Samuel Gardner Garrett, Paul Roy Raines, Jr., Kaushik Mani, Yan Yan, David Henry Clark, John Tan
  • Publication number: 20170043953
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for an automated materials handling facility. The automated materials handling facility uses a series of automated devices, such as automated guidance vehicles, mobile drive units, robotic arms, automated sorters, etc., to facilitate item receive, stow, pick, shipping and other aspects of materials handling. The automated devices are controlled by a materials handling control system that sends instructions to the various devices to coordinate operation of those devices and to coordinate flow of items through the materials handling system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2015
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Inventors: Jon Stuart Battles, Jayson Michael Jochim, Martin Peter Aalund, Ned Lecky, Samuel Gardner Garrett, Paul Roy Raines, JR., Kaushik Mani, Yan Yan, David Henry Clark, John Tan
  • Patent number: 9555906
    Abstract: The disclosure describes a system for applying custom branded tape to packages that are shipped from a multi-seller materials handling facility. In some implementations, a materials handling facility may store, process and ship items for multiple sellers. As items are packed for shipping, a tape dispensing device may dispense custom branded tape associated with the seller of the item(s) being packed such that the sellers brand, logo or other information is presented on the exterior of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Craig Worsley, Karthik Kumar Srivatsa, Charles Edward Rice, William Alan Snitselaar, Jeffery Thomas Moore, Jonathan Eric Rosenberg, Dean Christopher Fullerton, David Henry Clark
  • Publication number: 20150269521
    Abstract: Techniques for managing different types of transport vehicles are provided. In some embodiments, a transient warehouse can be established that allows a wide variety of transport vehicles to access items from a more convenient location than a brick-and-mortar location. The transient warehouse can be established in a parking lot or on the side of the road, so that other transport vehicles can access the transient warehouse quickly and deliver items to item requesters more efficiently from a centralized location. The transport vehicles can also pick up items from item providers to replenish items for the transient warehouse, the transient warehouse can access items from a brick-and-mortar location, and/or the transport vehicles can travel to multiple item requesters through optimized transport routes. The meeting location of the transient warehouse may also be optimized based on various constraints (e.g., time of day, seasonality concerns, etc.).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Publication date: September 24, 2015
    Applicant: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Allen Knapp, David Henry Clark, Ricky Neal Batye
  • Publication number: 20150269520
    Abstract: Techniques for managing different types of transportation vehicles are provided. In some embodiments, a transient warehouse can be established that allows a wide variety of transport vehicles to access items from a more convenient location than a brick-and-mortar location. The transient warehouse can be established in a parking lot or on the side of the road, so that other transport vehicles can access the transient warehouse quickly and deliver items to item requesters more efficiently from a centralized location. The transport vehicles can also pick up items from item providers to replenish items for the transient warehouse, the transient warehouse can access items from a brick-and-mortar location, and/or the transport vehicles can travel to multiple item requesters through optimized transport routes. The meeting location of the transient warehouse may also be optimized based on various constraints (e.g., time of day, seasonality concerns, etc.).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Publication date: September 24, 2015
    Applicant: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Allen Knapp, David Henry Clark, Ricky Neal Batye
  • Publication number: 20130247519
    Abstract: Described herein are systems and techniques for determining a pack station for storing inventory in a materials handling facility, routing item packages to pack stations based on size ranges for custom containers and optimizing dimensions of custom containers based on dimensions of a shipping container. For example, the systems described herein may allocate a percentage of inventory to a custom inventory location that is physically near custom container forming devices, thereby reducing the cost to pick, sort, pack and route items for shipment, storing or otherwise handling in a custom container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Inventors: David Henry Clark, Dean Christopher Fullerton, Patricia T. Shigihara, Kevin R. Vliet, Jon S. Battles, Brian C. Smith, Sebastian Lehmann, Jaffin James, Lakshmi S, Nidamarthi
  • Patent number: D805762
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Luis Armando Lopez Avila, Edward McGavin, Steve Sanchez, Ayush Goel, Hari Kumar Rajendran, Hany Elkordy, David Henry Clark